SF Eats: New 'Truly Mediterranean' Opens, SoMa Taqueria Closes, More [Updated]

SF Eats: New 'Truly Mediterranean' Opens, SoMa Taqueria Closes, More [Updated]Truly Mediterranean Mission Bay. | Photo: Al M./Hoodline Tipline
Nathan Falstreau
Published on March 19, 2018

In this edition, a popular Mediterranean eatery expands, a meatball joint prepares to open in Hayes Valley, a taqueria quietly closes for renovations, and what may be the Castro's most controversial restaurant in decades is finally  open.

Openings

Potrero Hill

Truly Mediterranean (900 16th St.)

Man about town and Hoodline tipster Al M. reports that popular Mission District eatery Truly Mediterranean has opened its second San Francisco outpost in Potrero Hill. 

Open from 9am to 8pm, Al said the new location offers longer hours than its Mission District counterpart to accommodate customers coming from UCSF's nearby Mission Bay campus.

Photo: Arkady I./Yelp

There's plenty of seating in the new space as well, a luxury not afforded at the Mission locale, which only has a few counter seats lining one wall. 

The new menu is currently not up on the restaurant's website, but if it's anything like its flagship, expect to see hand-made falafel and Mediterranean combo plates with hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh; lamb shawarma with broiled tomatoes, parsley and seasoned onions; and a chicken kebob wrap with cucumbers, onions and tomatoes. 

Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline Tipline

Hayes Valley

The Meatball Bar (602 Hayes St.)

Over in Hayes Valley, Al said The Meatball Bar's second location is "progressing along with their build and is about 70 percent complete." When he was in the neighborhood, a crew was installing a new awning with signage, along with the last finishing touches.

The new space will also include the addition of outdoor seating. 

The restaurant—which has its FiDi flagship at 126 Sutter St.—is owned by Gianni Chiloiro and Angelo Sannino, proprietors of the South Bay's two Doppio Zero pizzeria locations. The new spot will offer a variety of traditional and fusion-influenced meatball selections.

One of the owners on site told Al he'd be sure to reach out with advanced notice, but the business' website indicates a March 28th opening date. 

On the menu, expect to see variations like an Italian classic, turkey, lamb, vegetarian and more with sauce options like tomato, truffle fondue and Korean-style gochujang (fermented red chili paste). There's a variety of sides to pair with the meatballs on offer, too, like risotto, creamy mashed potatoes and spaghetti. 

Rounding things out are beer and wine, along with kombucha specialty drinks on draught. (You can check out the full menu for the FiDi location here.)

Interior at Hamburger Mary's. | Photo: Tom B./Hoodline Tipline

Castro

Hamburger Mary's (531 Castro St.)

In the Castro, Hamburger Mary's has finally opened, according to Hoodline tipster Tom B. 

On his visit, Tom spoke to a staff member who said, "they're only open at 4pm for now" but eventually plan to open for lunch, and then add brunch offerings once things are up and running. The business' Yelp page, however, indicates the eatery is open daily 11am–2am. 

As we reported previously, the space was dormant since The Patio Cafe closed in 1999, and neighbors have been anxiously awaiting the return of the drag-themed eatery for several years now. 

On the menu, look for appetizers like breaded mac 'n' cheese fritters with barbecue dipping sauce, deep-fried pickles and "Nacho Mary Nachos" topped with melted cheese and meat chili. 

As for burgers, there's variations like the Black & Bleu Boy with bleu cheese crumbles and apple bacon, the Queen Mary with cheddar and jack cheeses and grilled onions, and a Sloppy Mary open-face burger topped with no-bean chili and melted cheese. 

Rounding things out is a selection of signature cocktails, martinis and beer and wine. 

Closures

El Capitan Taqueria. | Photo: Albertino M./Hoodline Tipline

SoMa: El Capitan Taqueria (1198 Folsom St.)

Lastly, tipster Al told us that El Capitan Taqueria in SoMa has closed. 

"The windows are covered and renovations have begun," he said. Notices posted to its windows indicate that the restaurant will be back under new management, but it's not clear if it will be under the same name or offer a similar menu. 

While its Yelp page hasn't indicated a closure, a visit to the restaurant's website revealed that its Squarespace account has expired. A search of public records also do not state any current building permit applications associated with the address at this time. 

Al added that he'll report back as soon as he learns more about the closure. 

[Update: 5:04pm] Joe M. emailed to let us know that El Capitan was closed by order of the Department of Public Health on March 5th. According to a posted notice, the restaurant had "imminent health hazard(s)" that could cause "food intoxication, food infection, disease transmission" and  "vermin infestation." 

[Update: 3/20/18, 9:17am] Jaron Eliopoulos of Touchstone Commercial Partners emailed us with additional information.

According to Eliopoulos, whose client owns the restaurant, the closure has "nothing to do with health issues affecting food safety" and everything to do with the fact that it's adding a bathroom.

"The business was previously 'grandfathered in' where customers were allowed to walk through the adjacent bar and use their restrooms," wrote Eliopoulos. "Since El Capitan is open late and patrons under 21 cannot enter the bar, they are being required to install their own bathroom in the premises. Once the work is complete they will be back open for business."

High-fives all around for tipsters Al M., Joe M. and Tom B.

If you've seen something new in the neighborhood, text tips and photos to 415-200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.